The minister is now in contact with Chinese authorities to end this nightmare.

International Relations Minister Lindiwe Sisulu confirmed that she’s asked the Chinese Ambassador to release the passports of 51 South African teachers stranded in the country, following a fake work visa scam.

Parents and families of the young professionals stuck in the Far East have been anxiously waiting for a meaningful update from DIRCO. It now seems to have piqued the interest of South Africa’s top brass.

The group of teachers all left South Africa to pursue their dream of working in Chinese schools, teaching English to young learners. However, conman Owen Wong – who set up all of their work placements – asked for the group to hand over their passports, so he could finalise their work visas.

Why are 51 South Africans trapped in China?

The 51-strong collective seemingly had nothing to fear, as they were already placed in schools and enjoying the work they were doing. However, when Wong was arrested for fraud, their nightmare began.

The South Africans – with no access to their passports as they were seized by the police – soon became part of a Chinese criminal investigation. This has confined them to their university dormitory, meaning they cannot work or raise the money to buy basic food essentials.

Thankfully, the university they are holed up in has been very charitable to the group. Earlier on Thursday, we were told that the university had donated over R600 to each teacher so they could buy food from the campus canteen.

The SAFFA organisation – a group of SA expats living abroad – have been able to share emergency food parcels and toiletries with them. Parents have also had to finance their kids during this terrible ordeal.

Is Lindiwe Sisulu helping the visa scam teachers?

It’s perhaps premature to say the end is in sight at this stage. But Lindiwe Sisulu’s statement suggests that there is now a dialogue between the two countries and that her department has at least got the wheels turning:

“Our Embassy in Beijing is liaising with the Chinese authorities in addressing this matter. We are also in touch with the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa to have their passports released. The Chinese Ambassador to South Africa has made an undertaking that he will expedite the matter”

“DIRCO will continue to provide consular assistance to those South Africans in distress and also to keep those affected families informed of the latest developments”